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8 <br /> in the past will not automatically be reconsidered and must complete a new pre-application form. <br /> 2) Client referral and support services: Many homeowners seeking assistance through the Essential <br /> Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool may also need other services. If the ESFRLP staff meets the <br /> homeowner during the application process,they will provide pamphlets and a list of the agencies <br /> with contact information for the resources and programs available in the County. For households <br /> that meet the requirements of the pre-application step and qualify to receive assistance through <br /> the ESFRLP program, additional verbal discussion will be offered during the screening of applicants <br /> and/or pre-rehab inspection steps of the program. With the homeowner's permission, a case file <br /> will be created and a staff person will follow up with the homeowner concerning the available <br /> services in the referral network. <br /> 3) Preliminary inspection: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the homes of eligible <br /> households to determine the need and feasibility of the home for rehabilitation. Homeowners <br /> must inform staff of any known pest infestations prior to the visit. <br /> 4) Screening of applicants:Applications will be ranked by Orange County based on the priority <br /> system outlined on page 3 and the feasibility of rehabilitating the house. Households to be offered <br /> assistance will be selected by January 31, 2021. Household income will be verified for program <br /> purposes only(information will be kept confidential). NCHFA will verify ownership of the property <br /> by conducting a title search. From this review,the five (5) most qualified applicants will be chosen <br /> according to the priority system described above; the remaining applicants will be placed on a list <br /> of alternates in the order that they qualified. Orange County will then submit to NCHFA an ESFRLP <br /> Loan Application and Reservation Request for each potential borrower for approval Applicants not <br /> selected for ESFRLP assistance will be notified in writing. <br /> 5) Written agreement:A HOME Owner Written Agreement, between the homeowner and Orange <br /> County, will be executed as part of the Loan Application and Reservation Request procedure (that <br /> formally commits funds to a dwelling unit).This agreement will certify that the property is the <br /> principal residence of the owner,that the post-rehab value of the property will not exceed 95%of <br /> the 203(b) limits established by HUD and defines the ESFRLP maximum amount and form of <br /> assistance being provided to the homeowner, the scope of work to be performed, the date of <br /> completion and the rehabilitation criteria and standards to be met. <br /> 6) Pre-rehab inspection and unit evaluation: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the <br /> home again for a more thorough inspection. All parts of the home must be made accessible for <br /> inspection, including the attic and crawlspace.The owner should report any known problems such <br /> as electrical short circuits, blinking lights, roof leaks, etc. Each unit will be evaluated for energy- <br /> saving opportunities such as air sealing and duct sealing as well as for environmental concerns, <br /> such as lead based paint hazards, radon and asbestos. <br /> 7) Work write-up:The Rehabilitation Specialist will prepare complete and detailed work <br /> specifications (known as the "work write-up"). A final cost estimate will also be prepared by the <br /> Rehabilitation Specialist and held in confidence until bids are received from contractors. <br /> 8) Lead and other testing: Orange County will arrange for a certified firm to inspect all the pre-1978 <br /> constructed homes for potential lead (required) and asbestos hazards (as deemed necessary by <br /> the Rehabilitation Specialist in all homes built during, before, and after 1978).All homes will be <br /> tested for radon.The owner will receive information covering the results of the tests and any <br /> corrective actions that will be needed as part of the rehabilitation. <br /> 9) Bidding:The work write-up and bid documents will be conveyed to all contractors from the <br />